Not long to wait for the Ilkeston Charter Fair

The 763rd Ilkeston Charter Fair is on its way and will transform the town centre into a colourful spectacle.

One of the oldest and largest street fairs in Europe, the Charter Fair attracts thousands of people when it rolls into town with some of the biggest and best travelling rides in the country, from white knuckle thrillers through to firm family favourites like the ghost train and dodgems.

This year’s event runs from Wednesday October 21 to Saturday October 24 and will be given its usual ceremonial opening at 12noon on Thursday October 22 when the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Val Custance, will ‘ring the bell’ to get the 2015 Charter Fair officially underway.

The ceremony, which includes the reading of the 1252 Charter, takes place in front of the town hall and sees local families and visitors gather round to join the showmen for the traditional opening.

Councillor Mike Wallis, the council’s lead member for culture and leisure, said “We are always very proud to welcome Ilkeston Charter Fair, which has been enjoyed by generations of families from across the borough. It brings such colour and excitement as it stretches across the town centre and generates such a great atmosphere – there is always lots of laughter and just a few squeals from those on the white knuckle rides. Once again, all of us – both young and old – look forward to enjoying all the fun of the fair.”

The fair transforms Bath Street, the Market Place, East Street, South Street, Queen Street, Wharncliffe Road and Pimlico. Attractions are open from 6pm-11pm on Wednesday and from 12noon-11pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Residents’ parking schemes close to Ilkeston town centre will be suspended during the fair, from Monday October 19 to Sunday October 25.

Several town centre car parks are always closed throughout Ilkeston Charter Fair week to make way for the rides, stalls and fair vehicles.

The following road closures will be in place from 5am on Tuesday 20 October until midday on Sunday 25 October:

South Street (from its junction with Derby Road to the Market Place) Wharncliffe Road (from Albert Street to the Market Place) Queen Street - in its entirety Market Place - in its entirety East Street (from the car park to the Market Place)Bath Street (from Wilmot Street to the Market Place) Pimlico (from its junction with New Lawn Road to Burns Street)